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British farmers will stage a “national strike” next week, withholding meat and crops from supermarkets to protest against Labour’s new inheritance tax policy.
From Sunday, thousands of farmers plan to take part in the weeklong strike, including a march in London on November 19, where more than 10,000 farmers are expected to oppose tax changes introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
The policy imposes a 20% inheritance tax on previously exempt farms worth more than £1 million. This raises concerns that it will force many farmers to sell parts of their operations, endangering the continuity of traditional family businesses. Protest group Enough Is Enough, which represents striking farmers, warned of dire consequences for the industry, saying: “British farmers have simply had enough. Under these circumstances, we cannot afford to provide food for the population.”
The strike will deprive supermarkets of non-perishable items such as meat and certain crops, potentially impacting food supplies. British farms supply around 80% of the country’s beef, 90% of its fresh poultry and large portions of lamb, pork and wheat. However, dairy farmers are exempt from the strike due to the perishability of milk and eggs.
Tim Taylor, a strike organizer and pet food company owner, noted that the goal of the strike is to “disrupt, but not decimate, grocery store shelves,” with the aim of gaining public support.
Industry concerns and mental health implications
The tax changes have raised major concerns within the farming community, with some farmers fearing they will be the last in their families to continue in the business. Welsh farmer Gareth Wyn Jones expressed his decision to join the strike, citing the need to protect the future of his family’s 375-year-old farming legacy.
Mental health helplines for farmers have reported a rise in calls since the policy was announced, and the family of 78-year-old South Yorkshire farmer John Charlesworth revealed he took his own life shortly before the Budget to prevent his children from having to pay inheritance taxes.
The strike coincides with a “mass lobbying event” organized by the National Farmers’ Union, where almost 2,000 farmers are expected to meet MPs. In addition, farmers plan to protest at the Welsh Labor conference in Llandudno on Friday and may, as an additional measure, stop the collection of sewage sludge from water companies.
The government argues that the inheritance tax changes are intended to protect family farms while meeting public service needs, saying the changes will not affect “the vast majority of farmers.” However, many farmers believe the measures put the future of British farming at risk, with some groups suggesting the move could lead to more French-style protests if their concerns are not addressed.